How Does a Horror Writer Become a Poet? A Guest Post by Debbie of My Random Musings

It goes without saying that I’m a bit of a rhyme-lover. I was totally thrilled when I heard that the lovely and incredibly talented Debbie of My Random Musings blog fame, has taken the leap and published a collection of her comedy poems. I have invited her over to share a guest post and popped the virtual kettle on for us all as she shares her story and the inspiration behind her work. She has included a sneak preview of one of her poems for us too which I’m privileged to share.

Over to Debbie now to tell you a bit more about herself:

Born in 1982 in North East England, I knew from an early age I wanted to be a writer. Life got in the way, and the dream was put on the back burner, although never forgotten. I am now a full time author and freelance writer and I write my own blog, My Random Musings.

I have published two novels, two short story collections, a non-fiction book and a collection of funny poems.

How Does a Horror Writer Become a Poet?

Anyone that’s read any of my books or my blog will know that I am a huge horror geek. I read, watch and write horror – the darker the better.

So how does a horror writer wake up one morning and decide to write a book of light hearted poems?

Well that’s a good question!

Funnily enough, it all started with – you’ve guessed it – a horror themed poem.

I wanted to write a horror themed poem for my blog for Halloween. Now when I think of poetry, I always think of deep and meaningful stuff – Sylvia Plath for example – but I knew that was never going to be my style. I’m not a poet and I don’t profess to be.

The idea popped into my head to write a parody of the stereotypes of the standard horror tropes. It was light hearted, a bit tongue in cheek, and it rhymed. Maybe not a poem per se, but a rhyme.

I posted it on my blog as planned and that was the end of it. Until it wasn’t.

Recently, I’ve been reformatting some old blog posts and I came across that one. I had a scan through it to check it was ok, and something clicked with me. Like the classic light bulb moment, I guess.

I realised that horror wasn’t the only genre with these tropes – the pattern that the rules say has to be followed for the piece to fit a certain genre – and I could have fun with some of the others.

As a ghost writer, I write across a pretty broad spectrum of genres for my clients, so these tropes tend to be built into me. I started playing around with an idea for the fantasy genre, and before I knew it, I had another one.

And then another. And another.

Somewhere amongst that crazy, coffee fuelled writing period it hit me that this could make a fun eBook for anyone who likes a funny rhyme but wouldn’t want all the deep and meaningful symbolism and hidden meaning that comes from a classic poem.

And that’s how Parodies and Piss Takes was born.

I ummed and ahhed for a while – Is this me? Is this something I can do?

Now I’m one of those people that tell other people to chase their dream – to face the fear and do it anyway, so I gave myself a talking to and decided it was time to practice what I preach. And so I did!

What’s the worst thing that could happen? No sales? Scathing reviews? I’m pretty thick skinned so I can live with that. And who knows? Maybe those things won’t happen and people will actually like it!

Here’s to hoping.

Now we couldn’t go through all of that without me sharing one of the poems with you right? So here is the one that started it all. I hope you enjoy it!

An Ode to The Horror Genre

Vampires, witches, clowns and zombies too,

They go bump in the night and come after you,

Don’t run for the stairs, and certainly not the cellar,

You don’t want to be the cliché, killed by that fella’.

You’ve seen the movies and all of the shows,

Don’t be the bimbo; you know how it goes,

Go after the killer with an axe, gun or knife

It’s hardly a crime; he just killed your wife!

Whether he’ll skin you alive, or he just wants to play,

You could be next at the end of the day,

Show him you’re psycho, more twisted than him,

He’ll probably believe you; they’re all a bit dim.

Keep your eyes peeled, you’ve got to be quick,

Otherwise he’ll see you as the next easy pick,

Follow this guide and you never know,

Maybe you’ll make it to the end of the show!

What do you think? Did I hit all of the clichés? Don’t be shy, let me know what you thought.

It just leaves me to say a huge thank you to Debbie for sharing her work here. I love to get an insight into the story behind the writer and absolutely applaud the way that she has taken her passion and run with it to see where it takes her. Here’s hoping it’s a huge success as it very much deserves to be!

Congrats on the e-book! It takes a lot of bravery to take the plunge and publish a book, especially when you’re exploring a new genre. Personally, I’d choose a funny rhyming poem over something more serious any day! #dreamteamThe Squirmy Popple recently posted…So, the toddler ‘mine’ phase is super fun

I love learning about how other writers have got to this point its so interesting and inspiring. I love writing but write a variety of genres and don’t like to be stereotyped so its refreshing to see someone make the leap between them. Great post! #DreamTeampam lorimer recently posted…An Open Letter To My Son

Congratulations on your new book, it looks like such fun. I’ve written a few children’s books and it is such a labour or love, the sheer joy is seeing the finished product! Yippeee! Well done you (: #DreamTeam

Love the combination of horror and poetry! It’s always great doing something you love and that you have a passion for. Well done for getting your writing published x #DreamTeamBaby Isabella recently posted…Jimmy’s Festival 2017 Review

I think its fantastic that you took the leap and went outside your comfort zone. I’ve always prided myself on the variety of my interests. I think its a sign of intelligence! #dreamteamJeremy@ThirstyDaddy recently posted…An Unexpected Run

#dreamteam I guess writers are just writers or writing is a form of creative energy rather than categorising it all. I makes sense that one genre opens the doors to others.fridgesays recently posted…I don’t hold grudges, you just become irrelevant

I’m aqssive horror fan! I think it’s amazing that Debbie has expanded her repertoire and is just going with what she enjoys! #dreamteamAleena Brown recently posted…My Dad Chose Me: Not All Fathers Are Dads

So many strings to your bow Debbie! You’re too talented for your own good! 🙂 I used to write a poem or two back in the day. I even won a few competitions. I’ve not written one for ages but maybe I will one day. #DreamTeam